What Is an Eye Dilated Exam?

During eye exams, your eye doctor typically performs a series of tests to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. While many exams are routine, some require a more in-depth look inside your eye. A dilated eye exam is one such procedure that gives your doctor a clearer view of the back of your eye. Here is more information about this procedure and what it entails:

Providing Eye Drops

To begin the process, your doctor may administer special eye drops. These drops contain medication that widens your pupils. You might feel a slight stinging sensation when the drops are applied, but this feeling typically passes quickly. The doctor applies the drops, and then you will wait for them to take effect. It is a straightforward part of the examination. Eye drops may:

Improve visibility – By dilating your pupils, the drops give the doctor a clear view of structures, such as the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.
Aid in diagnosis – The enhanced view helps identify and diagnose potential eye conditions, such as glaucoma or retina issues.

Widening Pupils

After you receive the drops, your pupils will begin to dilate, or widen. Complete pupil dilation allows the maximum amount of light to enter your eye. Your vision may become blurry, and you will notice increased sensitivity to light while you wait. You might find a comfortable spot in the waiting area during this time.

Using Staining Agent

In some cases, your doctor might use a staining agent. A special dye is applied to the surface of the eye, and it is a harmless, orange-colored liquid. It helps the doctor see certain parts of your eye more clearly under a specific light.

When the dye is applied, it mixes with your tears and coats the surface of your eye. The stain highlights any issues on your cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. It reveals issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. This helps the doctor get a complete picture.

This step is not always part of every dilated eye exam, and your doctor will decide if it is needed based on your specific situation. The dye may temporarily cause your vision to appear yellow or orange. Because a dye is involved, it may also temporarily color your tears.

Assessing Internal Eye Structure

Once your pupils are fully dilated, the examination of your eye’s structures can begin. Your doctor will use special magnifying tools and a bright light to look inside. This provides a clear view of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. These parts are located at the back of your eye.

The doctor systematically examines these structures for any signs of damage or disease. They are looking for specific signs of various conditions. Some conditions that can be identified include:

Diabetic retinopathy
Glaucoma
Macular degeneration

This allows them to see all areas of your inner eye. Because your pupils are wide open, the doctor gets a much better view than during a standard eye exam.

Schedule a Dilated Eye Exam

The effects of the dilating drops can last for several hours after the exam is finished. For safety, it is a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home. Bringing a pair of sunglasses can help manage the light on your way home. Following the exam, you get a detailed understanding of your eye health. Contact an optician today to schedule your next appointment.